[en] We analyze multi-scale dynamics of thunderstorm electric structure as related to high-energy radiation enhancements and lightning initiation. First, we review experimental data on the multi-layer charge structure of thunderstorm clouds. A special attention is paid to the lower positive charge region (LPCR) and its possible effects on the development of CG and IC discharges and thunderstorm ground enhancements (TGEs). Based on the graph theory, we have developed a fractal simulation code to examine the occurrence of lightning flashes of different type as a function of the cloud charge structure. We show in particular that presence of relatively intense lower positive charge region prevents the occurrence of negative CG flashes by ”blocking” the progression of descending negative leader from reaching ground. Further, based on our recent observations of electrical discharges in the artificial cloud of charged water droplets, we present the description of a complex hierarchical network of interacting channels at different stages of development (some of which are hot and live for milliseconds), which can possibly be considered as a missing link in the still poorly understood lightning initiation process. (author)